The clear aqua blue water of Nokomis Beach and Casey Key stretches out on a shelf into the Gulf of Mexico, inviting long, easy walks into the water before you stretch out for a swim. The extraordinary, bright white sand is almost completely quartz crystal. As such, it maintains a constant cool temperature and is the softest powder imaginable.

Nokomis has 14 miles of white sandy beach! The Nokomis Beach and Park is comprised of 22 acres with 1,700 feet running alongside the Gulf of Mexico, and 3,200 feet along the Intra-coastal Waterway. This area is known for its stunning white sand beaches that are ideal for shelling and beach combing. All types of other beach activities are available such as swimming, diving, fishing and boating. Nokomis Beach has lifeguards, free parking, concessions, restrooms and picnic tables. It is Sarasota County’s oldest public beach and is located on Casey Key just west of the Albee Road Bridge.

A short 3 - 5 minute drive from the Nokomis Historic District that Includes four antiques shops and four restaurants (Evergreen Cafe, Curry Creek Cafe, Captain Eddie’s Seafood, Bayside Grille.) We are just 3 short miles from historic downtown Venice, with all its 1920s charm and fun shopping and dining.

An Ecoturism Paradise
Just 1.5 miles to the clean white sands of Nokomis beach, so load the car up with our snorkels, beach chairs and cooler and make a day of it, walking the sands and sea oats of Casey Key, or stroll to the Venice Jetty to people-watch and check out the fishing. We have several other fabulous beaches nearby, as well.

Take a bike ride on the 15-mile long Legacy Bike Trail extending all the way to Venice Beach. Enjoy a picnic under the spreading oaks at Nokomis Community Center. Walk a block to Pocono Trail Preserve where you can bird watch and see Florida wildflowers, or take a guided nature tour. You're just four and half miles from Oscar Scherer State Park, great for bicycling, canoing or kayaking, plus we're a short drive to the scenic Myakka River.

There are two "Paw Parks" located just minutes from Moon Dreams Cottage:

Paw Park and South Brohard Beach
Location: 1600 S. Harbor Drive

Brohard Beach is the place to be if you want to share the beach experience with "Man's best friend." Brohard Beach also offers a 740 foot fishing pier for public use. The pier is complete with restrooms, a snack bar, and a bait shop. This park is located in the southern most part of the city of Venice

There is an enclosed play yard with watering station near the parking area, and a pet-friendly section of the beach where your dog can swim and romp. Please remember to always be safe at Brohard Beach Paw park, there are no Lifeguards are on duty.

Fenced dog play yard leads to the only beach area in the county where dogs are allowed. Other amenities are picnic tables, benches, showers, drinking fountains for humans and dogs. Open daily, 7 a.m. - dusk. To the south is South Brohard providing beach access for humans only, includes boardwalks, benches and showers. Parking available at both places.

Woodmere Paw park
3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice
Paw Park open from dawn to dusk.

Woodmere Park is family and pet friendly - an exciting and comfortable place to enjoy outdoor activities, indoor sports, educational opportunities, private parties, there are four covered structures, lighted walkways and many programs and special events. A special feature of this park is our 2.5 acre "Paw Park". Dogs and their best friends are welcome from dawn to dusk to walk, run, play and enjoy.

This dog park is fenced in so your dog can run. There are two fenced areas adjacent to each other, one is designated for dogs less then 20 lbs. and one for dogs over 20 lbs. There are several benches for pet Mom's and Dad's to sit on while your dog plays.

This is a wonderful dog beach. Don't want to bring the sand with you? Woodmere Paw Park has showers for your dog after leaving the beach. Woodmere paw park will leave you and Fido and Fifi with a happy heart after seeing all different breeds and the playful joy of their water play in this gorgeous stretch of gulf beach.